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The AW Howard Memorial Trust Inc
ABN: 52 218 428 050
C/- South Australian Research and Development Institute
GPO Box 397, ADELAIDE SA 5001
Telephone: (08) 8303 9401 Facsimile: (08) 8303 9403
www.sardi.sa.gov.au/awhoward
Inaugural AW Howard Medal awarded to leading entomologist
Perth-based eminent entomologist Dr James Ridsdill-Smith’s 40-year career in research on the behaviour, ecology and management of insect and arthropod pests of pasture plants has been recognised with his being awarded the inaugural AW Howard Medal and Oration.
Recognised for lifetime achievements and contributions to the Australian pasture industries, and the quality of his research and professional leadership Dr Ridsdill-Smith’s work led to better control of redlegged earth mites, of aphid pests of lupins, of ground-dwelling scarab beetles and grass grubs, and of pod-borers of chickpeas.
The AW Howard Memorial Trust Committee, and friends and colleagues associated with the Australian Pasture research community gathered for the historic presentation in the Victoria Room of the Edinburgh Hotel, Mitcham on Monday, 28 November.
Outgoing AW Howard Memorial Trust Committee chair, Professor Rob Lewis made the presentation to Dr Ridsdill-Smith who then delivered an Oration on his life’s work.
Dr Ridsdill-Smith described how, beginning with an early interest in natural history, he has endeavoured to combine modern theoretical and technological science with an observational and natural history approach during his 40 year career in entomology.
His approach to developing new strategies for the control of insect pests in pastures has been based on detailed biological and ecological research. Large numbers of insects are present in pastures. Some, like pasture scarabs and redlegged earth mite, are plant pests, while the bush fly is a dung-breeding pest. Others, like dung beetles and thynnine wasps, are beneficial insects. Pastures have a “carrying capacity” for insects as they do for livestock. Insects represent a “hidden force” in pastures, as loss of production from insect feeding is highest when pastures are growing well although at this stage damage may not be visible.
Dr Ridsdill-Smith described how research leading to detailed knowledge of the insect’s life-cycle was critical in understanding the effect of dung beetles on bush fly control, and in developing the TIMERITE spray programme to kill redlegged earth mite at the one time in the year when there were no eggs present. The complexity of insect communities in pasture systems makes them hard to study, and, using dung beetles as his model, Dr Ridsdill-Smith discussed how insect diversity might be used as an index of sustainable systems.
“Another approach to pest control is developing plant resistance, and pre-breeding research helped to develop screening methods and to identify mechanisms of resistance to various pests in sub-clovers, lupins and chickpeas. Collaboration with plant chemists through the Centre for Legumes in Mediterranean Agriculture (CLIMA) enabled the identification of a range of plant compounds which inhibited pest feeding,” Dr Ridsdill-Smith said.
“There have been many benefits from research into pest insects. Effective control of redlegged earth mite using TIMERITE provided very high production benefits to farmers, whereas the introduction of dung beetles has provided benefits to the wider community through the control of bush flies.”
However, Dr Ridsdill-Smith did point out that not all research succeeds in providing measurable benefits, and he gave several examples from his own research. He also acknowledged the support and collaboration he has enjoyed throughout his career from scientists in a wide range of disciplines.
Looking to the future, Dr Ridsdill-Smith expressed concern that more funding should be made available for ecological research to provide the detailed understanding of pest insects which is essential to deliver advances in pest control and to get closer to delivering optimum production in pastures.
Trust commemorates unique contribution
Established by the Australian Institute of Agricultural Science (AIAST) in 1964 the AW Howard Memorial Trust commemorates the unique contribution of Amos Howard in the use of subterranean clover as a pasture plant in Australia.
It aims to encourage and promote research and investigation in the fields of natural science and social science, including economics which relate to the development, management and use of pastures.
In 1889 Amos William Howard found subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum) growing at Blakiston in the Adelaide Hills. He recognised its great promise and was the pioneer of its use in sown pastures.
Through Amos Howard's foresight, devotion and tireless effort, the value of subterranean clover was firmly established and has become the most important pasture plant in Australia. It has multiplied flocks and herds by transforming millions of acres of infertile soils into productive pasture land and increased our harvests by restoring the fertility of large tracts of worn out wheat lands.
South Australian Research and Development Institute Executive Director, Professor Pauline Mooney is the new chair of the AW Howard Memorial Trust Committee.
Dr James Ridsdill-Smith, left, accepts the AW Howard Medal from outgoing AW Howard Memorial Trust Committee Chair Professor Rob Lewis. |
New AW Howard Memorial Trust Chair and Executive Director of the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), Professor Pauline Mooney with AW Howard Medal recipient Dr James Ridsdill-Smith and his wife Nicola. |
Further information: Contact Dr James Ridsdill-Smith 08 93390762 or SARDI Communications Terry Price 83039433 / 0423 292867
